Four ‘extraordinary’ Louth and Proud women feature in exhibition

“My wish for you is that you continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” Maya Angelou

It was appropriate that Drogheda-based photographer Linda Hanlon chose this inspirational quote from an empowered woman to officially launch her exhibition and book entitled ‘“Empower Her – A celebration of Extraordinary Women of Ireland’.

The event took place in the Central Bank of Ireland, Dublin, on a glorious sunny evening, where the exhibition is open to the public until May 29 from 10am to 4pm.

Hundreds of people gathered to peruse the 54 portraits in the exhibition, four of which are form Drogheda; boxing pioneer Deirdre Gogarty, Drogheda Dolls founder Natalie Kelly, local councillor and chairperson of Drogheda United Joanna Byrne and Drogheda Independent journalist Alison Comyn.

The book accompanying the exhibition also contains inspirational quotes from the women, including Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin, Sharon Donnery, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Ireland, Commissioner Mairead McGuiness MEP, Zainab Boladale, Journalist, Presenter, Professor Lydia Lynch, Immunologist, Harvard University, Ivana Bacik, Labour Party Leader, Ann Doherty, CEO, Cork

City Council, Helen Desbois Radio Presenter, Dublin

City FM and Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Former Tánaiste, Minister, TD and Senator, who launched the exhibition.

“We purposely decided to punctuate the book in the exhibition, with historical dates tracing back over the 100 years, representing those times when positive legislative and societal changes occurred (for women) in Ireland,” explained Linda. “All those changes didn’t occur through compliance of silence. And it strikes me that when women come together, we are a powerful source for positive change”.

With a forward written by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, “Empower Her” is not just a photography project; it is a testament to the strength and courage of women across Ireland.

Out of the 500 copies being published, 100 copies have been graciously donated to schools, ensuring that the message of empowerment reaches future generations, while the remaining copies are available for purchase, allowing people to own their own copy of this inspiring narrative.

The exhibition runs until May 29.